Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jello Shots
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Pineapple upside-down cake jello shots, made with pineapple juice, grenadine, whipped cream vodka, and Maraschino cherries, are the perfect boozy party treat for your next party!
For more fun jell-o shots for summer consider making a tray of watermelon jello shots, blue Blue Hawaiian jello shots, or strawberry lemonade jello shots as well.
Pineapple Upside Down Jello Shots
The fun jello shots have two distinct layers that mimic the look and taste of the classic dessert they are named after. With a sweet cherry layer and a fruity pineapple layer, these jello shots are as delicious as they are eye-catching.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a sunny pool day, these pineapple upside-down jello shots are sure to be a hit.
Why you’ll love these vodka gelatin shots
- A boozy take on the classic pineapple upside-down cake.
- Visually appealing with two distinct layers.
- Sweet enough to double as dessert.
- Perfect for summer parties and gatherings, guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Unflavored Gelatin: Knox is my go-to brand but you can use another kind if you like. Just make sure it has .25 ounce envelopes.
- Whipped Cream Vodka: Adds a creamy, sweet flavor. Cake vodka or vanilla vodka are excellent substitutes, offering a similar dessert-like essence.
- Grenadine: For the cherry base layer.
- Pineapple Juice: For the fruity pineapple layer.
- Maraschino Cherries: The perfect garnish for that classic pineapple upside-down cake look. Pineapple rings or wedges would be a fun garnish, too.
What Shot Glasses Should I Use?
I recommend against using glass shot glasses. These 2-ounce plastic shot cups with lids are perfect for this recipe.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shots
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prep. Place plastic shot glasses onto a rimmed baking sheet or in the cups of a muffin tin for easy carrying. Set aside.
Step 2: Bottom Layer. Add ¾ cup pineapple juice to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle 1 envelope of knox gelatin on top and let sit for 5 minutes. Add grenadine. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the gelatin powder is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let the water come to a boil. Divide the cherry jello mixture into the cups. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Tip
Transfer the gelatin mixture to a bowl or measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring.
Step 3: Top Layer. To a medium saucepan, add 2 cups pineapple juice and 3 envelopes gelatin. Let sit 5 minutes. Whisk and heat the juice mixture until the gelatin dissolves (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in the vodka. Pour the pineapple jello mixture into each cup to fill the rest of the way. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
Step 4: Garnish. Before serving, use a spoon to make a small circle indent in the center of each shot and place a maraschino cherry in it.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Jello Shots Tips
- Don’t skip letting the gelatin sit in room temperature liquid for a few minutes before heating. This is called “blooming” and is crucial when working with Knox gelatin to soften the powder and help it dissolve.
- A rimmed baking sheet, baking pan, or cupcake tin are great for carrying jello shot cups.
- Make your jello shots the night before your party or event so that they will have plenty of time to set by the next day.
More Vodka Recipes for Summer
- Ocean water jello shots
- Raspberry vodka lemonade
- Orange creamsicle vodka cocktail
- Cherry limeade jello shots
Pineapple Upside Down Jello Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin such as Knox, divided
- 2 ¾ cups pineapple juice divided
- ¼ cup grenadine
- 1 cup whipped cream vodka
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
- Prep: Place plastic shot glasses onto a rimmed baking sheet or in the cups of a muffin tin. Set aside.
- Bottom Layer: Add ¾ cup pineapple juice to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle 1 envelope of gelatin on top and let sit for 5 minutes. Add grenadine. Heat over medium heat, whisking until the gelatin powder is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let the water come to a boil. Pour the gelatin mixture into a thin layer in the bottom of each cup. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Top Layer: To a medium saucepan, add 2 cups pineapple juice and 3 envelopes gelatin. Let sit 5 minutes. Whisk and heat until the gelatin dissolves (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in the vodka. Divide evenly into cups and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
- Serve: Before serving, use a spoon to make a small circle indent in the center of each jello cup and place a maraschino cherry in it.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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